How to Prepare

Every Marine must maintain a high level of physical fitness regardless of age, rank or Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). Those who aspire to become Marines must first pass the Initial Strength Test (IST), and all Marines are required to pass an annual Physical Fitness Test (PFT) and Combat Fitness Test (CFT). This information will help you prepare for all three.

Combat Fitness Test (CFT)

The CFT is a 300-point test with an emphasis on functional fitness related to operational demands. Males and females perform the same exercises but are scored differently, and adjustments are also made for age. Passing the CFT is an annual requirement for all Marines. Performance on the test directly impacts every Marine's career, as CFT scores are used to tabulate Composite Scores used for promotions.

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In the last analysis, what the Marine Corps becomes is what we make of it during our respective watches. And that watch of each Marine is not confined to the time he spends on active duty. It lasts as long as he is "proud to bear the title of United States Marine."